Casper Ruud’s title defence at the Madrid Open was brought to a halt by an up-and-coming 21-year-old on the ATP Tour: Alexander Blockx.
Blockx, who finished as the runner-up at the Next Gen ATP Finals in December, defeated last year’s Madrid winner in straight sets to advance to the semifinals of the Masters 1000 event.
The Belgian became the first from his country to both beat the defending champion and reach a maiden ATP semifinal at a Masters tournament.
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With the loss, Ruud will now exit the top 20 in the world for the first time since the 2021 season.
Despite the defeat, the Norwegian had incredibly high praise for his conqueror after the conclusion of the match.
Casper Ruud reacts to his defeat to Alexander Blockx in Madrid
Speaking in his post-match press conference, Ruud said: “To be such a tall and big guy physically, I was a bit surprised that he stands quite far back in the court, which is kind of untypical for somebody who has such a big serve. It’s more kind of typical to go big with the shots.
“He was kind of holding off more than I maybe thought every now and then. But that’s also the secret to success, and definitely it was today and has been this week.
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“The climb, the rapid climb he has had to the top 100, and I think after this week he will probably be top 50 or even start smelling at top 40, top 30 in the world.
“I think he plays a really good and solid baseline game. He backs up his serving great. He can do very many things from baseline.
“Offensive, yes, he can come to the net; but also defending and moving well. I thought he read the game as well. I was really impressed.”
Casper Ruud says Alexander Blockx has no weaknesses
Asked about his preparation for the match with Blockx, Ruud said: “I tried my best to do some analyzation.
“Not like live in the moment when he was playing, but I rewatched a lot of his matches here, and a lot of highlights to see his highest level.
“Of course, we get scouting reports as well. We do everything we can. Ultimately, when you’re out there, you can scout all you want, but you have to hit the shots that you want to hit.
“Today I think I was a little bit too loose with my forehand. I went for some bigger shots and winners that sailed a bit long or sailed a bit wide. I think ultimately that gave him, maybe not the win, but I didn’t get the best start. He got an early break, building confidence probably in his game.
“Yeah, I think I was impressed because, like I said also before, didn’t really find any big weakness or hole in his game.
“And when you don’t do that, it’s easier to kind of over hit and feel like you don’t get anything out of your own shots.
“So credits to him for being, obviously, very good serve, yes, but also very solid and playing well from the baseline.”
Blockx has already guaranteed his best finish at an ATP Masters event, and is now two wins away from his first tour-level title.
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